What are Some College Courses in Special Education?

<p>Special education teachers work with children who have emotional, learning, physical or psychological disabilities. They typically teach across a variety of subjects and skill sets. To earn licensure in most states, special education teachers need a bachelor's degree in special education or a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a content area with a minor in special education, along with student-teacher training. However, some states require a master's degree to teach special education. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSpecialEducationPrograms">Important Facts about Special Education Programs</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites</td><td> Bachelor's degree required to enter into a master's program, minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, written letter, interview with a member of special education faculty required for some programs</td></tr> <tr><td>Concentrations/Specializations</td><td> Disabilities in society, high incidence, visual disabilities, severe disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Programs are available online and on-campus, students are generally required to attend some face-to-face courses including practicums</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Early childhood, elementary, middle or high school teachers, instructional coordinators, social workers, recreational therapists</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$61,820 <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>4% growth <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CoursesOfferedInSpecialEducationPrograms">Courses Offered in Special Education Programs</h3> <ul><li><b>Introduction to Special Education</b> teaches students about aspects of early childhood development for children with disabilities. Students also learn about the processes involved in developing and implementing special education programs. </li><li><b>Behavioral Disorders in Children</b> introduces students to behavioral characteristics in children, in addition to covering emotional disorders and best teaching practices. </li><li><b>Behavioral Assessment</b> explores theories of functional behavior assessment. In many cases, prospective special education teachers are required to complete a behavioral assessment course in order to qualify for licensure. </li><li><b>The Law and Special Education</b> covers how laws affect the ways special education programs are run in public school systems, in addition to addressing the rights of disabled children. </li><li><b>Teaching Special Needs Students</b> examines the roles of special education teachers, along with covering various educational plans, instructional practices and parental involvement. </li><li><b>Intervention for Children with Behavioral Disorders</b> teaches students how to effectively facilitate positive behavioral changes in children with emotional and behavioral issues.</li></ul>